This week is a lesson in endurance.
“Prolonged endurance tames the bold.” – Lord Byron
When I was playing roller derby, we used to have Monday night endurance practices. After 2 hours of balls-to-the-wall skating until you wanted to puke, Coach Jim would line up up for 30 more laps. He’d always announced the little “surprise” at the end of practice by saying “30 to go!”
I always started out going as fast as possible to get it over with, but by the last 5 my legs were shaking and the only reason I was still moving was so I could go home.
Today I only have “5 to go.” My first figure competition is Saturday. I’m tired. Each day I’m pushing myself as hard as possible with every workout, running sprints, doing 30 mins of posing practice, and keeping up with my 100 pull ups. That familiar “if I can just push through this last bit, I can rest” feeling has returned.
Not to mention the diet changes… more on that Wednesday!
With those diet changes, I can’t even eat this BBQ sauce. I’m glad I did it when I did!
For those who aren’t 5 days out from a competition, this is a great open for a clean BBQ sauce. It has no sugar or sodium added… and it’s actually good.
There are two schools of thought on BBQ Sauce – one likes a more ketchup-like sauce, and the other is a vinegar-based sauce. I don’t feel the need to choose! My sauce is tomato-based and laced with that satisfying vinegar tang.
Thick and satisfying, this is the perfect topping for just about any protein. You could even toss some red pepper and broccoli slaw in it for a quick BBQ veggie roast. That was a really a really tasty combo.
In this photo shoot, I sliced tempeh into thin strips and coated one side with the sauce. I baked it at 375 for 10 mins, then flipped and coated the other side and baked for another 8 mins. Easy!
Served here with side of roasted winter squash, asparagus, zucchini, carrots, red onion and sage. My leftover sauce is n the freeze for safe-keeping for when I can have this again!
Recipe after workout recap…
Workout Recap
There’s nothing more disappointing than seeing a light at the end of the tunnel and having it suddenly shut off. Friday I got my final workout plan from my trainer. I thought Sunday was going to be a rest day… it wasn’t. Turns out you don’t workout 2 days before a show, so there will be no rest until Thursday. Lovely.
We took measurements at Saturday’s workout. I haven’t gained much in terms of inches – my waist and chest are actually smaller – but my body fat is certainly lower! I’d like to find one of those Bod Pods to get an accurate measurement at the end of the week. I’d also like to have to time to actually go do it.
There will be pic ad nausea post-comp, but for now a little sneak peak…
Workout Recap (10/20 – 10/28):
- Monday – Rest
- Tuesday – Legs, 2 mile walk 100 pull ups
- Wednesday – Back/Tris, Calf raises, 1 mile incline walk, 100 pull ups
- Thursday – Shoulders/Glutes, 1 mile incline walk, 100 pull ups
- Friday – Chest/Bis, 100 pull ups, Calf raises, 2 mile incline walk
- Saturday – Legs (with trainer), 100 pull ups, 2 mile sprints/incline walk
- Sunday – Shoulders, 100 pull ups, Calf raises, 1.5 mile sprints/incline walk
Healthy BBQ Sauce
- 15 oz can tomato sauce (no salt added)
- 1/3 C apple cider vinegar
- 2 T ancho chili powder
- 1 T smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Liquid smoke, to taste
Place tomato sauce in a small pot over medium heat. Add vinegar and spices, stirring and tasting as you go. Add the liquid smoke to taste. Start with 5-6 drops and add from there – a little goes a long way! Allow to simmer 5-6 mins more to allow flavors to combine. Taste and adjust flavors again before serving.
Note: You might add a bit of Stevia or other sweetener here if you like a sweeter BBQ sauce. I prefer the vinegar-based.
***
It sounds like I’m complaining… but I’m just tired. I’m really excited/nervous/ready to get ‘er done!!!
Do you prefer vinegar or ketchup-like BBQ?
What inspires you to push through? Any good quotes or songs to share?
You rock, Laura! Endurance is hard to have, but just think how you’re going to feel when you’re on the other side of the comp! Wow…so exciting. KEEP IT UP! You’re so close now. 😀 …and looking so ripped! I’m curious about your body fat as I’m sure others are, but wouldn’t ask – so I’m kind of asking without asking. 😉 I know it’s personal! All that to say you look amazing and the best thing is that you’re treating your body well. So proud of what you’re accomplishing! Loving following your progress. 4 more days to #getafterit, girl!
I’d post it if I had an accurate measure… my trainer guesses around 12%. I did actually make an appointment with the Bod Pod on Wednesday. That will be an interesting experience! I love your asking without asking. So polite! 😉
Thank you!!!
I cannot wait to try this sauce!
and I cannot wait for Saturday! yeeeeee I am so excited for you, and you know I’d be there if I could – to cheer you on AND to cook for you after!
You’re too sweet! I’d love that so much. Are you going to Blend?!
I REALLY want to go… but it is one week away from the Vida Vegan conference – and I am going to that one. I *may* try to swing both, but it might be difficult… 🙁
Ohhhh… please come!!! (And I’m not just saying that in hopes of getting Spa treats.)
Wow, you look amazing!!!! Way to go!
Oh honey! I feel for you SO much! Just stay strong….stay focussed….and know that we will eat Atlanta UP the weekend after! 😉 On a more serious note though, I admire your willpower. I just couldn’t do it…in a moment of weakness, I’m sure I’d find myself in the pantry, elbow deep in a bag of granola! And I’m totally being serious! I just have such a tough time with restriction…I can’t deny that urge to rebel. They say it’s human nature. So look at that, you’re ahead of the curve…you’ve evolved…you’re SUPERhuman…and you’re gonna kick some ASS at that competition! Just don’t break a heel when you’re stepping over all those women they call your “competition” 😉
And let me just say…DAMN girl! Way to go on those pull ups! Every.single.day! Woot woot!
And my little words of “encouragement”: Whenever you feel weak, like you can’t go on, just think of how FAR you’ve come….how strong you are now compared to that first day…both physically AND mentally. You can do this!
NOW about that BBQ sauce! Yum! I can’t wait to try it! I like my sauces more ketchup-y, but only when it comes to the consistency, not in sweetness. I like my sauce THICK! And now I’m craving tempeh!
Yeah, we will! I have a few ideas already. Just need to know how many meals I get to plan for you guys. 🙂 Saturday is pancake day though!
I’m sooooo far from evolved. If I don’t have strict rules you’ll find me eating ice cream with my fingers while standing over the freezer. #thatactuallyhappened
I heart you.
With your fingers, huh? Hmm, frostbite much? 😉
Check your email! xoxo
Yayayayayayayayayay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday!!! OMG! I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to see more pics of the suit and you, of course 🙂 Hang in there – it’s almost over!
Thank you! It’s been an adventure… 🙂
Wow I can’t believe how near the competition is and how FAR you have come! Your determination is inspiring and you are almost at the finish line….stay strong, Laura!
it’s awkward how FLIPPING EXCITED I AM FOR YOU!!!
LOL! That made me grin. Thank you for all of your support. 🙂
I bet you are soo excited for this weekend!! You are going to ROCK that competition!!!!
Whenever I feel unmotivated or exhausted and don’t want to workout or let my healthy lifestyle slip, I think about how I will feel if I don’t at least do some workout or how I will feel if I eat crap. I know that even some exercise usually makes me feel strong and empowered, so I just “get ‘er done!”
Some fun workout songs –
The Vulture – Pendulum (this will get you pumped up for sure)
Ruffneck (full flex) – Skrillex
In for the kill (Le Castle Vania Remix) – La Roux (had to download this bad boy on the internet)
Don’t Stop (TheFatRat remix) – Foster the People
These are great! I’m downloading right now – my workout list is in serious need of a refresh.
You are almost there!! Looking good and so does the BBQ sauce. Going to try that…
AHH I can’t believe the comp is FINALLY HERE!!! You’re so close and man you’ve really persevered to the end. You should br so proud of your accomplishments, Laura! 🙂
Whenever I’m lacking motivation and need some gusto to push through, I always remember this quote: “The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.” It’s from that book “The Last Lecture” and it always helps me feel super PUMPED UP!! 😀
What a great quote! The Last Lecture has been on my :to read” list forever. I’m going to download the book now while I’m thinking of it. Thank you!!!
Hang in there! (I sort of mean that literally. You’ve been doing a TON of pushups. Holy moly!) Thanks for the recipe. Luv me sum bbq!
I bet it would be delish with a beer… 😉
Good luck and thanks for a wicked-looking BBQ sauce. Can’t wait to try it. 🙂
good luck girl! you’re gonna rock it!!!!!!!!!!
don’t worry, we’ll eat and drink for you this week. And don’t worry, you have put in so much work. You ready, you look amazing! just give them that Sprint to the Table smile. It wins medals I tell ya!
That’s so kind of you! 😉 Thank you so much – I’ll raise one to you Saturday night!
5 more days to go!!!! You got this my Laura! You are looking awesome! Keep it going…only a few more days until you rest 🙂
Wohoo! I’m so excited for you. In terms of a motivational song check out- Calvin Harris featuring Ne-Yo – “Let’s Go”
You can totally do it. Just 5 more days! Can you eat whatever you want after? Just think about that!
As for bbq sauce, I don’t like the ketchupy kind at all, nor do I like any that is sweet. I kind of like the mustardy kind though.
Yes, yes I can. I have a list going. And a fresh jar of PB and a pint of ice cream. I stare at them every day.
So excited for you!!!!! Can’t believe it’s only 5 more days! You are going to do awesome!
Look at how much you’ve accomplished! You are doing such a great job!!!
I’m a good southern girl that LOVES her vinegar based sauces, but still have a love of tomato based sauces too. I would say if I have to choose though…vinegar all the way!
I’m so EXCITED for you!!!
i love that you went with blue for the suit! i’m cheering you on during these last few days – just make sure you get enough SLEEP. that’s gotta be important, right?
I didn’t know you were once a roller derby girl! Power through these last “30 laps” – you’re almost there!!
Yup! There’s a pic on my About page. I broke my jaw and my boss suggesting taking up something less dangerous.
thank you for this recipe, I am allergic to most bbq sauce but love it so can’t wait to give this a try. I am so excited for you and you can do it, the last bit must be the toughest but once it is over you can relax!!!
Let me know if you try it! It’s super simple.
Your suit goes so well with your eyes… wow!! Also, I had no clue you did roller derby. THAT IS AWESOME.
I did it for a year. It was rough, but SO much fun!
It’s soooo close! Are you excited? I’m cheering for you!
And I love BBQ sauces that are more tomato based. Your sauce sounds really good and I love that there is no sugar/sodium added because that’s the issue I have with store bought sauces. It’s so hard to find ones that taste good and are good for you. Thanks for the recipe!
How did I not know you did roller derby? That is so cool Laura!
That’s what everyone is saying! I need to do a post on it. There’s one pic on my About page, but I have a TON more.
Girl, are you even -human-? Not only do you look amazing, but your willpower and determination are absolutely insane! I can’t wait to hear about you rocking your show next weekend!
I don’t feel human right now… LOL! Thank you so, so much. It’s been a fun ride – I’m already looking forward to the next one!
ONE week! You can do it, OH YEAH. You have some amazing strength and willpower. Plus, I’m getting so excited/nervous FOR you, so you don’t have to worry about that part, I’ve got it covered ;D Looove me some BBQ sauce–now I just have to find no-salt tomato paste! Not going to lie, I went to FOUR grocery stores this weekend to find no-salt cottage cheese. Why is that such a rare item?? It tastes way better than the overly-salty other stuff!
Haha – thank you!!! I cant wait until we’re eating asparagus together. 🙂
I’m actually surprised you could find it! It takes some effort to get even in ATL.
I had to trek across town to the Publix in the young-professional-hipsters area of the city. But hey, now I know! They had all the flavors of Arctic Zero there too…but I resisted.
Very exciting to be on the home stretch to competition! I usually like more ketchup-based BBQ sauce, but this recipe looks pretty good, and I’ve also cut way down on salt intake so it’d be much better than store-bought. Looking awesome, can’t wait to see the post-competition post w/ pics.
You could definitely alter it to make it less vinegar. I’d cut out a couple of tablespoons of the ACV and add some broth.
Definitely like the ketchup-like BBQ sauces.
Can’t believe your competition is so close! You’ll be fabulous 🙂
I just have to say your arms look phenomenal. You were in great shape before but it has been amazing to read about this journey as you take it.
You can make it till Thursday!!!!
Thank you, Rachel! It’s so funny – my trainer told me i was “skinny fat” before. Bah!
I make a BBQ sauce almost just like that except I add some homemade broth. The end is near!!
You are so inspirational! i’m headed to the gym for lunch and you make me want to push harder!
I hope you had a kick ass workout! 🙂
You look like you are ready to take this competition on. I am SO excited to hear all about it! And I like my BBQ sauce any way I can get it. 🙂 I will have to try yours though! It looks quite tasty.
Funny… that’s how I like my desserts! 😉
Random Q: What competition is this? And will they televise (or stream it) online? I’m doing a craft show on Saturday, but would like to see how you do!
A: Figure competition. And no, thank god. 😉
You don’t sound like you’re complaining at all! You sound like you have been working really hard towards a goal and pushing yourself both physically and mentally for a long time now, and the end is finally in sight. I know you can do it, and you will totally rock it at the competition. You may be exhausted now, but you will be so damn proud (and rightly so) next week at this time. You go girl!! With two snaps and a pull up (just for you).
You rock so hard. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I needed this push today. 🙂
Vinegar. And you are going to do great! Embrace the butterflies.
I love that you decided not to choose. I like both kinds of bbq sauce as well and often find myself mixing them together! This recipe is awesome. Thanks for sharing it! Also, GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!! You’ve done so amazing and I cannot believe it is already time for your competition!! You’re going to rock. Team Laura!! I don’t think you sound like you’re complaining… definitely not. I’d be tired too if I were you!
You are looking incredible! I am so excited for you! Hang in there–I can’t even imagine how tired you must be right now. But I hope you are proud as I am of you. You committed and stuck to it the whole way, and gave/are giving it all you have. You are truly inspiring.
Thank you, Candy! It’s so much easier with all this support. xo
BBQ sauce looks good! So exciting that you are so close to the first competition. I’m sure you will do well and can’t wait to hear every detail!
How exciting only a few more days!!! The Proximity Hotel has a GREAT after competition dinner if you haven’t found anything in G-boro yet. Good luck!
You are almost there!!! Your will power is awesome, and I’m so proud of you for pushing through these tough last days! You look amazing and I can’t wait to hear more about the competition! So close:)
YES YES YES!!!!!! A healthy bbq sauce FINALLY! Obviously my twin could come up with this 😀 YIPEEEE! I will make this as well 🙂 hehehehe yay!!!!!!!!
so proud of you, twin!!!!! you look AMAZING and you can get through this week!!!!! no doubt about that 😀
I wonder how it would be on seafood? Maybe swordfish? 😉
Love you, Twin! xo
Your arms look fantastic. I have only made BBQ sauce once from scratch. I guess I’m just lazy LOL. I did at least find one that wasn’t made with HFCS. A near-impossible task mind you.
This one is REALLY easy! I thought about browning fresh onion and garlic, but went with the quick-version using powdered. It literally took less than 10 mins.
You look AMAZZZINg girl! Congrats! I will 100% be making this BBQ sauce. I have made a few and not been too pleased with how its turned out, so I am super excited. I seem to always like your recipes 😉 Good luck on your last few days of prepping for Saturday!
Let me know if you do try it! I love your feedback. 🙂
GAH! I can’t wait to hear how it all goes and see the final package. You are looking GOOD!
You look awesome and you are going do great!!! I’m so excited for you! Even though you can only eat a few things…. it still looks good to me! Hang in there girl. We are all cheering for you!
Uhhhh… just wait until this WIAW. It’s pretty bad. LOL!
I’m so excited to see how your competition goes!
What are your plans after? More competitions? A marathon with me (how is your knee doing)?
I’ll focus in gaining size and hopefully be ready to place in another competition in March.
Marathoning may not ever be an option unless I get knee surgery… wahhh! But the offer still stands to cheer-lead if you make it to ATL for one!!!
Sounds delicious! As a lover of ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce–and straight up vinegar–I love a condiment that incorporates ALL of them. Put a lil’ mustard in yours and I think it might just be perfect. 🙂
WHOO HOO!!! You are SO CLOSE!!!
Mustard has sodium. 5 days. *le sigh*
Oh lordy-lady, you are looking fiiiiiiine! SO CLOSE NOW! Wheeeee!
This close my friend so so close 😀
Very very proud of you :))))
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
You are ONE BAD ASS MOFO. I can’t wait to see the final reveal- you BETTER post multiple photos of you in that bikini!! You are so dedicated my friend- I don’t think I could do it!
And the bbq sauce on the tempeh makes my mouth water!
Haha – I need that on a t-shirt.
Hey… I get to see you in 2 weeks!!! 🙂
You are going to do awesome this weekend, placement or not. You’re going to get up on stage and strut your stuff and I’m SO proud of you and everything you’ve done! I love the suit, it makes your eyes look super bright blue. Wish I could be there to cheer you on!!
Thank you Heather!!! I wish you could be there too. See you very soon though!!!
There ya go, trying to make bbq healthy!! You had better let the glutton be the judge here. 🙂
this recipe is awesome!! can’t wait to see the competition results – you look amazing and you’ve worked soo hard!